Which welding machine should I buy first?

If you’re just starting out, don’t overthink it. Buy a MIG welder — that’s your best first machine. Period.

 Here’s why: it’s the easiest to use, the most forgiving, and the one you’ll actually want to keep using after day one. You feed wire, pull the trigger, and boom — you’re welding. No striking rods like matches, no fancy foot pedals or hand-feeding filler. Just smooth, steady joins with clean results, even if you’re shaky or still learning how to move.

 Look for a wire-feed MIG machine that runs on regular 110-volt household power — that way, you can plug it into any outlet in your garage. No need for 220V unless you’re planning to weld thick steel daily. A decent 110V MIG will handle up to 1/4-inch steel (stacked passes), which covers most DIY stuff — bike racks, trailer repairs, gates, shelves, car fixes.

 Get one that’s flux-core capable too. That means you can weld without a gas tank when you need to — handy if you’re working outside where wind kills shielding gas. It’s messier (more slag), but gets the job done when gas isn’t practical.

 Skip TIG and Stick machines for now. TIG is precise but hard — like drawing with fire while juggling. Great later, not now. Stick’s tough and works in the rain, but it’s messy, loud, and frustrating for newbies.

 Bottom line: start with a 110V MIG welder from a real brand. Get a basic helmet, gloves, jacket, and safety glasses. Maybe a small gas tank if it’s gas-shielded. That’s all you need. Practice on scrap metal. Learn how the arc feels, how the puddle moves. Build something simple.

Welding’s a skill — it takes time. But with the right machine, you’ll get good faster, stay safe, and actually enjoy it. So don’t chase bells and whistles. Keep it simple. Start with MIG. Get welding.